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Description
Initially affordable only among the wealthy, glass was used in ancient Rome as containers for oils, perfume, and tablewares. The variety of glass-making techniques reveals the changing tastes and fashions over the centuries. During the 1st century A.D., cast glass was a novel form that was a luxury for the Roman household, but by the end of the century, the innovation of blown glass allowed for less labor-intensive and less expensive production of glass wares like this bottle, which meant people of lesser means could afford them. Blown glass became so popular it nearly supplanted ceramic and even bronze wares in the home.
Provenance
Eugène Piot (1812-1890), Paris; sold, Hôtel Drouot, Paris, May 27-30, 1890, lot 424, to the Art Institute of Chicago; price reimbursed by George Scheider, 1891.
Dimensions
7.2 × 4 × 4 cm (2 7/8 × 1 5/8 × 1 5/8 in.)
Movement / Period
Accession No
532
Official Citations
Curatorial Affinity Stream
Continuing the Universe of Roman; Syria or Palestine
roman (ancient, style or period) • Syria • Harmonious Works & Contemporaries
Continuous Discovery